* Scouting Report (Weaknesses): "Prone to the odd lapse in concentration; guilty of trying too hard on occasions; committed the most fouls of any player at Stuttgart last season, and conceded three penalties".

From 2008-2011, Rudiger spent three years in Borussia Dortmund's youth system, and although he didn't make a breakthrough at the club, Jurgen Klopp will be well aware of his talents.

Is Rudiger (or indeed any other central defender) needed, though? It looks like Sakho has escaped a lengthy drug ban, which means he'll be available for next season. That means Liverpool will have Lovren, Sakho, Matip, and unless both leave, one of either Skrtel or Toure.

With no European football next season, the team (arguably) cannot support four international centre-backs, so signing yet another one makes little sense.